Chapter XXV: Preface (24)

7.--Great excitement was created in Norwich by the conviction at the Assizes before Mr. Justice Coleridge, of John Harper, a well-known auctioneer, on the charge of stealing cloth entrusted to him for sale at North Walsham by a Leeds manufacturer named Jonas Driver. Mr. S. Bignold, Mr. Beckwith, solicitor; Mr. T. M. Keith, solicitor; the Rev. S. Stone, the Rev. W. Hull, and other prominent citizens testified to the general honesty and integrity of the prisoner, who, amid a strong manifestation of feeling in Court, was sentenced to seven years' transportation.

7.--Mr. Cobden, M.P., Col. Thompson, and Mr. Moore, representatives of the Anti-Corn Law League, addressed a large meeting held at St. Andrew's Hall, under the presidency of Mr. J. H. Tillett. A body of Chartists created some disorder. On the 8th a meeting of farmers "of the most complete party complexion" took place at the Hall, when Mr. A. Morse, of Swaffham, "author of one of the prize essays of the League," presided, and addresses were delivered by Mr. Cobden and his friends. The League at this date was actively promulgating its principles in all parts of the county.

15.--The ship Phya sailed from Lynn for Quebec, with emigrants. "Whilst the population keeps increasing, and machinery keeps lessening the demand for manual labour, many thousands must seek to provide for themselves and families in distant regions."

20.--The construction of the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway commenced on this date on the Postwick Hall Farm (in the occupation of Mr. Gillett), near Thorpe Asylum. The excavation of the New Cut from Trowse Hythe to Whitlingham Reach was begun on May 6th. In October an engine with ballast waggons was running between Reedham and Yarmouth; and in November another engine appeared on the Postwick end of the line. "Its marvellous facility in whirling along any number of loaded waggons elicited exclamations of astonishment from the many hundreds of Norwich people who went out to see it." (_See_ April 12th, 1844.)

--In the waistband of the trousers of a notorious housebreaker, named James Fisk, who was apprehended at Surlingham on this date, "was found sewed up the Lord's Prayer, written backwards, which he carried about with him as a fancied protection against the power of human law."

--The marriage of the Earl of Leicester and Miss Whitbread, daughter of Mr. S. C. Whitbread, at Cardington church, Bedfordshire, was celebrated with great rejoicings at Wells-next-the-Sea, where 800 school children were entertained, and 1,400 of the poor inhabitants had dinner on the Buttlands.

21.--At Norwich Theatre was performed a new drama, entitled, "Mokanna, or the Veiled Prophet of Khorassan," written by Mr. William Cooper, barrister, and originally produced at Lynn Theatre. An anonymous handbill, printed by J. Fletcher, Upper Haymarket, Norwich, was afterwards circulated, describing the play as a "barefaced exhibition of profligacy," and calling upon the citizens to denounce it. The strictures were grossly unfair.

25.--The foundation-stone of St. Mark's church, Lakenham, was laid by the Very Rev. Dean Pellew. The architect was Mr. John Brown, and the builder Mr. James Worman. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich on September 24th, 1844.

28.--The two troops of the 13th Light Dragoons marched from Norwich Barracks for Hounslow. They were replaced on May 22nd by the Scots Greys, commanded by Col. Clarke. Mainly through the influence of the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis of Douro, the headquarters of the regiment were stationed at Norwich.

MAY.

4.--Business was entirely suspended in Norwich on the occasion of the funeral of H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex. The Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, and afterwards assembled at the Guildhall and adopted addresses of sympathy.

6.--At the Norwich Police Court, a woman named Kedge complained to the magistrates that another woman, of the name of Clarke, had bewitched her "by sending her and her children a vast number of vermin." Clarke replied that Mrs. Kedge had harboured her (Mrs. Clarke's) husband, and had given her a small piece of paper, whereon was very small writing. It was found to be the Lord's Prayer. Mrs. Kedge acknowledged having given this to Mrs. Clarke, and said it would "prevent her from doing her further injury, for when she had herself put it in defendant's hands, all danger from witchery was over."

13.*--"One day last week a steam coach, constructed on a new principle, was tried at Witton, on the Yarmouth road, before a large concourse of spectators, but although the steam was put on, the coach would not move an inch. When pushed it proceeded a short distance and stopped. The experimenters at last lifted the coach from the road, when the wheels went round with alarming velocity." On May 27th the carriage was advertised for sale by private contract, by Mr. Joseph Emmerson Bane, at the King's Head Inn, Blofield.

--The Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Major Loftus, commenced their annual eight days' training at Fakenham.

17.--The inhabitants residing in the vicinity of Duke's Palace Bridge memorialised the Norwich Town Council to take the necessary steps to free the bridge from toll.

18.--Died at his residence in Union Street, South Lynn, Mr. Peter Lewis Dacheux, an immigrant from France, aged 83. "He had resided at Lynn for many years, and had long officiated as Roman Catholic priest in that town. He was a schoolfellow of Bonaparte, and in his boyish days had many a scuffle with that celebrated personage."

23.--Mr. Braham, assisted by his son and pupil, Mr. Charles Braham, gave a concert at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

JUNE.

13.--The Norwich Town Council decided, on the motion of Mr. Barwell, to memorialise the House of Commons in favour of Mr. Rowland Hill's scheme of penny postage.

14.--Norwich Theatre was re-opened for a limited number of nights at the close of the regular season, when "The Tempest" was produced from the original text, with Miss Grant as Ariel, and Miss Vining as Miranda. On the occasion of her benefit, on June 27th, Miss Grant took the part of Tom Tug, in "The Waterman."

15.--On opening the East of England Bank at Lynn, it was discovered that during the preceding night upwards of 4,000 pounds had been stolen. A clerk, named William Henry Sangar, aged nineteen, had committed the theft, in the absence of Mr. Spiller, the manager, and had absconded. He was apprehended on July 3rd, at Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, with 4,300 pounds in his possession. At Lynn Quarter Sessions, on July 17th, he was charged before the Recorder, Mr. Martin J. West, with stealing 4,362 pounds 1s. 6d., and, on pleading guilty, was sentenced to fourteen years' transportation. The Recorder expressed the hope that he would not have to appear at the Assizes to answer the still more serious charge of forgery. He was, however, indicted at the Norfolk Assizes on August 3rd, on two counts, for forgery, and on pleading guilty was sentenced by Baron Alderson to transportation for life.

16.--For nearly three hours "the sun was surrounded by a bright and beautiful halo, whilst several others appeared in its vicinity, intersecting the main one in several directions." A similar appearance was observed in the summer of 1826.

JULY.

1.--The fares by the Royal Norwich mail from the Star, Haymarket, to the Belle Sauvage, Ludgate Hill, were reduced from this date to 16s. inside and 8s. outside.

4.--Mr. Charles Gill and Miss Vining, two popular performers with the Norwich Company, eloped from the city. "The attachment between the parties has been of long standing, but it was opposed by the young lady's friends, on account of the disparity of years." Mr. and Mrs. Gill appeared at Yarmouth Theatre on September 8th.

--Died at North Walsham, Captain Thomas Withers, R.N., aged 73. He entered the service in 1793, joined Nelson in the Agamemnon, which formed part of Lord Hood's fleet at the occupation of Toulon, and took part in the reduction of Bastia and Calvi, and in the several actions in which the ship was engaged. In 1796 he joined the Captain, and in the following year, in the battle off Cape St. Vincent, had the distinguished honour of commanding the division which boarded the San Nicolas, and from that ship the San Josef. He was made lieutenant next day, and soon after appointed to the Terrible, under the command of Sir Richard Bickerton, and served during the expedition against the French in Egypt. In April, 1803, he was appointed to the command of the Expedition (44 guns), and was chiefly engaged in the Mediterranean until 1804. In 1805 he accepted employment under the Transport Board, and in 1809 received post rank.

8.--A whirlwind occurred at Blakeney. In its course it carried away several yards of a wall two feet thick, took from some smacks the hatchings, which were blown upon the marshes, and blew a man off the seat of a threshing machine. The stable at the White Horse was unroofed, and a quantity of Mr. Temple's hay was blown to the distance of a mile.

15.--Arising out of an assault case, a curious story about witchcraft was told to the Norwich magistrates. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis alleged that a Mrs. Bell had bewitched them three days after Tombland Fair, and they had been bewitched ever since. "Mrs. Curtis saw Mrs. Bell light a candle and fill it with pins. She then put some red dragon's blood, with some water, into an oyster-shell, and having repeated a form of words over it, her (Mr. Curtis') husband's arms and legs were set fast, and when he lay down he could not get up again without somebody helping him." The man made a similar statement, and said that to the dragon's blood and water Mrs. Bell added some parings of her own nails, put the mixture over the fire, and muttered an incantation.

19.--A young man named Robert Smithson "wagered that he would run over the nine bridges in Norwich in twenty-five minutes." He performed the distance, nearly four miles, in twenty-two minutes.

24.--Died at Shotley Parsonage, Ipswich, aged 91, the Rev. Samuel Forster, D.D., formerly head-master of Norwich Free Grammar School. On resigning, in 1811, Dr. Forster became private tutor to the son of the Marquis of Bristol. Sir Edward Berry, Nelson's flag captain at the Battle of the Nile, married the doctor's eldest daughter.

29.*--"In the melancholy list of passengers on board the Pegasus, lost off the Fern Islands on July 19th, we are sorry to observe the name of Mr. Elton, for many years a favourite tragedian in the Norwich Company, and latterly holding a most respectable station on the London boards."

--The Assize week performances at Norwich Theatre opened with the appearance of Miss Montague, of Drury Lane, as Juliet. On July 31st Miss Clara Novello, Miss Sybella Novello, Mr. Manvers, and Mr. Stretton, of Drury Lane, performed in Belleni's opera, "Norma," and in "Acis and Galatea"; and on August 7th Madame Celeste and Mr. Webster commenced a four nights' engagement in "St. Mary's Eve," "The Woman Hater," and "The French Spy."

AUGUST.

6.--Died at Gaywood, aged 70, Mr. Thomas Marsters, for many years the representative at Lynn of the NORFOLK CHRONICLE. "He was extensively read in the poets and classics, and his taste for the drama induced him, when he resided at Gaywood Hall, to become lessee of Lynn Theatre, on the boards of which he occasionally performed as an amateur."

9.--Norwich and many parts of the county were visited by one of the severest thunderstorms that had occurred for many years. It was accompanied by a hailstorm which did immense damage--in the city windows and conservatories were smashed, in the county garden and field crops were destroyed. The first floors and cellars in Surrey Street, St. Stephen's Street, Rampant Horse Street, the Market Place, and London Street were flooded, and in places morsels of ice lay from four to five inches deep. The storm lasted half an hour. The performance at the Theatre was stopped, and the terrified audience in the gallery rushed down the stairs and found the passage filled with water, which prevented their escape. The river at Bishop Bridge rose one foot in five minutes. At two o'clock on the morning of the 10th, the rain and hail again descended with great violence, and "a surface of flame spread across the heavens, followed by a clap of thunder which seemed to rend the welkin." Another storm occurred on the 15th, and on the 18th waterspouts were observed at Rushall and Dickleburgh. At a meeting at the Bishop's Palace on the 19th, steps were taken for the relief of the sufferers, a public subscription organized, and surveyors appointed to assess the damage. In September the Committee reported that the total losses amounted to 30,770 pounds 2s. 3d. In some parishes a voluntary rate of threepence in the pound was paid to assist the relief fund. The contributions from the parishes amounted to 5,622 pounds, and individual subscriptions to 4,391 pounds.

16.--The left wing of the Cavalry Barracks at Norwich was destroyed by a fire which originated in the forage barn. The men of the Scots Greys succeeded in saving the remainder of the buildings.

31.--Died at Stisted Hall, Essex, aged 87, Mr. Charles Savill Onley, bencher of the Middle Temple. He was third son of Mr. Robert Harvey, merchant and banker, of Norwich, by Judith, daughter of Capt. Onley, R.N. Mr. Onley (then Mr. Charles Harvey) was called to the Bar on November 24th, 1790. In 1783 he was elected Steward, and in 1801 Recorder, of Norwich. In 1804 his portrait was painted by Lawrence, at the expense of the Corporation, and hung in St. Andrew's Hall. In 1812 he was returned to Parliament, and at the dissolution in 1818 retired from the representation of the city, but sat for Carlow from 1820 to 1826. It was in December, 1822, that he took the name of Savill Onley, on the death of his maternal uncle, the Rev. Charles Onley, through whom he came to the possession of a fine estate in Essex, besides a large personal property. He resigned his Recordership in 1826. He was lieutenant-colonel of Col. Patteson's battalion of Norwich Volunteers, enrolled in 1808 as a regiment of Local Militia. He married, first, Sarah, daughter of Mr. J. Haynes, by whom he had issue one son, Onley Savill Onley, who married his cousin Caroline, daughter of Mr. John Harvey, of Thorpe; and two daughters, Sarah, married to Mr. William Harvey, and Judith, to Mr. Charles Turner. Mrs. Harvey died in 1800, and he married, secondly, Charlotte, sister of his former wife.

SEPTEMBER.

7.--Father Mathew attended a temperance festival at Norwich. He addressed a meeting on St. Martin-at-Palace Plain in the morning, and a public gathering at St. Andrew's Hall in the evening, at which the Lord Bishop and Mr. J. J. Gurney were present. On the 8th Father Mathew, from twelve to six o'clock, "administered the pledge to all who cared to receive it." The NORFOLK CHRONICLE observed: "We cannot but feel that the members of the Church of England are pledged to temperance already, and have therefore no necessity to repeat the pledge before a Romish priest."

11.--The Earl of Leicester laid the foundation-stone of the new quay at Wells-next-the-Sea.

16.--A platform was erected on the summit of the spire of Norwich Cathedral by a party of Sappers and Miners, to support an observatory for the purpose of the trigonometrical survey then being made throughout the kingdom, by order of the Board of Ordnance.

23.*--"Died, lately, aged 101, Mr. Robert Holmes, of St. Augustine's, Norwich."

27.--Died at Ramsgate, Lieut.-General Beevor. He was the last surviving son of Mr. James Beevor, of Norwich. He served in Flanders in the campaigns of 1793-4-5; in 1801-2 he was actively employed in Egypt, and he took part in the protracted operations in the Peninsula and Portugal.

OCTOBER.

2.--Mrs. Fitzwilliam, of Covent Garden Theatre, commenced a six nights' engagement at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. She was described as the first comic actress of the day and a most accomplished vocalist. On the 7th Mrs. Fitzwilliam was joined by Mr. Buckstone, of the Haymarket Theatre, with whom she appeared in "My Tender Charge" and "Foreign Airs and Native Graces."

14.--In a case before the county justices at the Shirehall, Norwich, in which the keeper of Hellesdon toll-bar was summoned for unlawfully taking toll in respect of a vehicle called a "wheel machine," interesting particulars were given of the contrivance, which belonged to a Norwich mechanic named Matthew Fish. It was described as "only a barrow worked by the feet, and not propelled by machinery." The carriage was shown outside the Court, and "appeared to be a very ingenious machine, which could be worked at the rate of ten miles an hour on a level road." It had three wheels and two levers. Mr. Repton, the clerk to the turnpike trustees, urged that the narrow wheels cut up the road more than those of heavy carriages, and that _such contrivances for evading toll and the keeping of horses were increasing_. These carriages were considered a nuisance on the roads, no horses liked to pass them, and the Act laid a heavy toll upon them to prevent them running on any turnpike at all. The matter was ultimately settled without a conviction.

16.--Carter, the "Lion King," appeared at Norwich Theatre with his trained lions, &c., in a drama founded on the adventures of Mungo Park. "The submissive bearing with which they crouched to the lash and the utter want of animation and spirit which they exhibited, divested the exhibition of all sense of danger."

17.--A severe gale occurred on the Norfolk coast, several vessels were driven ashore, and five lives were lost off Bacton.

23.--The Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry paraded at East Dereham and received from the Lord Lieutenant of the county a standard, in commemoration of the honour conferred upon it by Prince Albert, in allowing the corps to be called after his name. "The helmets, which formerly were fronted with the Maltese Cross, now exhibit the Royal Arms."

NOVEMBER.

9.--Mr. Freeman was elected Mayor, and Mr. George Lovick Coleman appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

25.--Mr. Murray announced the publication of "The Correspondence of William Taylor of Norwich (author of 'English Synonyms') with Robert Southey, Esq., from 1791 to 1830, with a memoir of his life and works," by J. W. Robberds.

DECEMBER.

2.--A meeting of landowners, agriculturists, and merchants of the county, presided over by the High Sheriff (Mr. Tyssen), approved the scheme of the Norwich and Brandon Railway, expounded by Mr. G. P. Bidder. The estimated cost was 380,000 pounds, to be raised in 19,000 shares of 20 pounds each. (_See_ July 29th, 1845.)

9.--The first person in Norwich to advertise "patent photographic portraits" was Mr. Beard, of the Royal Bazaar. These likenesses were stated to be "surprisingly correct," and severe chemical tests proved that they would "last to infinity." The prices ranged from one to two guineas.

--Mr. George Pinson, Governor of Gressenhall Workhouse, was selected by the visiting justices Governor of the County Gaol at Norwich Castle, in succession to Mr. Johnson, resigned.

15.--Died in St. Peter Southgate, Norwich, John Smith, gardener, aged 102.

16.--The improvement of Briggs' Street, Norwich, was completed, and the Paving Commissioners were paid 700 pounds by the trustees of the D'Oyley fund.

19.--Died, Mrs. Elizabeth Barbara Bulwer Lytton, widow of General Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, and daughter and sole heiress of Richard Warburton Lytton, of Knebworth Park, Herts. "She was mother of the Ambassador at Madrid, of Sir Edward, who succeeds to the estates, and of Mr. W. L. Bulwer, of Heydon Hall. The literary tastes and accomplishments of Mrs. Bulwer Lytton may have had an influence in early life upon her son's mind. Many poems of hers circulated amongst her immediate friends are full of feeling and grace."

26.--The report on the Christmas trade at Norwich stated that the stage coaches conveyed 3,036 hampers of game and poultry to London. Sykes' waggons in five days conveyed to the Metropolitan market 68 tons of meat, game, and poultry, from Norfolk and Suffolk.

--For the first time for many years, Norwich Theatre opened on Boxing Day. The programme included "The Stranger," "Cherry Bounce," and the pantomime "Harlequin Baron Munchausen." The other Christmas attractions were Batty's Equestrian Company at the Pantheon, Victoria Gardens, and Wombwell's Menagerie on the Castle Meadow.

1844.

JANUARY.

9.--A meeting was held at Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. T. Brightwell, at which it was resolved to raise a subscription to pay the legal expenses of Mr. John Francis and of four other recusants, proceeded against in the Court of Arches for failing to make a rate for repairing the parish church of St. George Colegate. When the case was heard in the Arches Court, counsel for Mr. Francis protested that upon the face of the citation it did not appear that he had been guilty of any ecclesiastical offence cognisable by the Court, neither did it appear that the parish church was in need of repair. These arguments were overruled by the Court, whereupon Mr. Francis took the case to the Court of Queen's Bench, and on May 9th Mr. Justice Denman delivered judgment in favour of the appellant, on the ground that the citation was bad, because of there being no adequate allegation of any spiritual offence.

13.--Mr. H. J. Wallack, of Drury Lane Theatre, formerly a member of the Norwich circuit, and Mrs. Wallack, commenced an operatic engagement at Norwich Theatre, in the "Barber of Seville."

FEBRUARY.

3.--In the Court of Exchequer, before Lord Abinger and a special jury, an information was heard against three persons named Phillips, of Swanton Abbot, for the recovery of penalties for a violation of the Excise laws by means of illicit distillation. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. It was stated that defendants had rendered themselves liable to penalties amounting to 12,000 pounds, but the Crown would be satisfied with a verdict for one penalty of 200 pounds, which, trebled, amounted to 600 pounds. Judgment was then entered for the last-named sum.

--Permission was given by the authorities of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for the formation of a hospital museum, on the understanding that there should be no alienation of the funds of the institution. On October 19th it was reported to the Governors that the museum had been completed, and an inscription on vellum was voted to Mr. William Dalrymple, in grateful acknowledgment of his donation of his entire collection in anatomy and pathology, and to Mr. J. G. Crosse for his valuable contributions. (_See_ September 10th, 1845.)

7.--John Franklin, "known by the name of Bill Downey, the celebrated Southtown pedestrian," for a wager of 10 pounds walked from the Duke's Head Inn, the Quay, Yarmouth, to the Shirehall, Norwich, and back, in eleven and a half hours.

8.--A meeting was held at North Walsham, for the purpose of forming a Protection Association against the attacks of the Anti-Corn Law League. Similar associations were formed in other parts of the county, and about fifty petitions were sent to Parliament, praying that no alteration be made in the state of the law.

10.*--"A society for insurance against damages by hail has been established in Norwich, an influential body of gentlemen having accepted the office of directors, and numerous parties have intimated their intention to take advantage of this institution."

13.--A new historical play, entitled, "Zopyrus, the Hero of Persia," by Mr. William Cooper, barrister, of Norwich, was produced for the first time at Norwich, Theatre.

15.--A singular person, named Jemima Cock, died at Long Stratton. "She was 78 years of age, and was known for many years as a letter-carrier of the Post Office, and although no scholar, was never known to make a mistake in that department. She once travelled the country as a seller of rakes and other implements. She wore top boots, kindly given to her by gentlemen of the village, and dressed her head with a hat like Mrs. Twankey's in the play of the 'Ladies' Club,' and long before, and at the time of her demise was, by order of the parish, made governess of the clink. She leaves no relative or friend to mourn her loss, save one, and those placed under her kind attention in prison-like confinement, and the poor weary barefooted traveller who wandered thither for shelter (and repose) from the fury of the pelting storm."

20.--It was announced in the "London Gazette" that Sir E. L. Bulwer, Bart., in compliance with a direction contained in the will of his late mother, Elizabeth Barbara Bulwer Lytton, of Knebworth, would thereafter use the surname of Lytton in addition to and after that of Bulwer, and also bear the arms of Lytton quarterly in the first quarter with his own family arms.

26.--An information was laid before the Docking magistrates by Robert Bullock, a common informer, against Mr. William Shearman, of Burnham, under 52 Geo. III., cap. 93, for having, on November 17th, 1843, "assisted Mr. Charles Edward Overman and 20 other persons in the taking of a hare by means of two greyhounds, the said act of assisting not being done in the company or presence and for the use of any person who had then duly obtained a certificate in his own right and who then and there used his own dogs for the taking of the said hare," whereby he rendered himself liable to a penalty of 20 pounds. Evidence was adduced showing that the dogs which ran at the West Burnham Coursing Meeting, where the alleged offence took place, belonged to qualified persons. The Bench recorded a conviction, against which the defendant appealed, at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, held at Norwich on March 13th. The Court quashed the conviction. Twenty other cases depended upon the result of this appeal.

--Died in London, aged 73, Mr. John Wright. He was a native of Norwich, and going early in life to the Metropolis, where he had the superintendence of Hookham's Reading Rooms, in Old Bond Street, he became acquainted with many of the leading political and literary characters of the day, by whose support he entered into business as a publisher, in Piccadilly. He was the particular friend of Gifford, the poet, and the _rencontre_ between that individual and Peter Pindar took place at Wright's house. He was afterwards connected with Cobbett in the publication of the "Weekly Register," but this terminated in a lawsuit, in which the latter gained little credit. Literary pursuits of various kinds occupied Mr. Wright's attention for the remainder of his life, and his assistance was much sought after by publishers and others, in affording which and in attendance at the House of Commons he generally spent his time. He was supposed to have had the superintendence and correction of "Hansard's Debates."

28.--Died at Ingolville, near Havre, Mr. John Morse, formerly of Sprowston. He was a magistrate and deputy lieutenant of the county, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1807. His remains were interred at Sprowston, on March 12th.

MARCH.

5.--The Norwich Court of Guardians passed a series of resolutions on the new Poor Law Amendment Bill, expressing regret that the measure contained a clause extending the powers of the Poor Law Commissioners to places hitherto governed by local Acts of Parliament, and thereby to a considerable extent repealed those Acts.

9.*--"A very fine specimen of the osprey or sea eagle, in full plumage, measuring 7 ft. 5 in. from tip to tip of the wings, was lately shot at Westwick by one of the gamekeepers of Mr. J. Petre."

16.*--"Ministers connected with the party which seceded last May from the Scotch Church have visited Norwich this week, for the purpose of detailing their version of the differences between them and the Presbyterian Establishment and of raising 'siller' to enable them to carry on their system."

25.--Lord Chief Baron Abinger and Mr. Justice Patteson, Judges of Assize, arrived at Norwich. Lord Abinger, on the 30th, received a deputation of the principal merchants of the city, who represented to him the unfairness and expense attending the mode of conducting bankruptcy proceedings. On April 1st his lordship was taken suddenly ill at Bury St. Edmund's, the next town on the Assize circuit, and on April 7th he died. His lordship's political connection with Norwich commenced in 1832. As Sir James Scarlett he was returned with Lord Stormont in 1833 a member for the city, and on December 15th received the honorary freedom. When Sir Robert Peel was unexpectedly called upon to form a Conservative ministry, the office of Chief Baron was conferred upon Sir James Scarlett, who was called to the House of Lords by the title of Baron Abinger, of Abinger, in the county of Surrey, and of the city of Norwich.

30.--Died, aged 81, at Wymondham, Mr. John Cullyer. "He was an excellent arithmetician, and the author of a scientific work entitled, 'The Gentleman's and Farmer's Assistant,' containing tables for the measurement of land, &c."

APRIL.

4.--Hales, the Norfolk giant, was exhibited at Tombland Fair. He was 8 ft. in height, and weighed 33 stones.

8.--Mrs. Yates and Mr. O. Smith appeared at Norwich Theatre in the "Christmas Carol," produced under the superintendence of its adaptor, Mr. Edward Stirling, stage manager of the Adelphi Theatre. Mrs. Yates was a granddaughter of Mr. Brunton, many years manager of the Norwich circuit.

11.--The Norwich Town Council completed the arrangements respecting the purchase by the Corporation of the Foundry Bridge tolls, and empowered the City Committee to negotiate for the borrowing of 8,000 pounds for the purpose. The new iron bridge which replaced the old wooden structure was opened for traffic on June 29th. It was erected by Messrs. Bradley and Co., of Wakefield, from designs by Mr. C. D. Atkinson, of the same town, at the cost of 800 pounds.

12.--Major-General Pasley, Government Inspector, accompanied by the Lord Bishop of Norwich, and several of the directors, proceeded in "a train of carriages" from the Norwich terminus to Yarmouth by the new Yarmouth and Norwich Railway. This was the first train that ran out of the city, and its departure was witnessed by thousands of the inhabitants. (_See_ April 30.)

20.--The Scots Greys, during the week ending this date, marched from the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, _en route_ to Edinburgh.

20.*--"The parish clerk of St. Peter's, Terrington, has caused his coffin and gravestone to be prepared, although in excellent health. The former he keeps in his sleeping room, and uses as a wardrobe, and the latter stands in the church, ready to be put down when required. The stone contains the following:--

"This aged clerk, long ere he died,
His coffin had and placed by his bedside;
His neighbours all well know the truth is spoke--
'Twas made of Mr. John Perry's best oak;
His old friend Death just touch'd him with his spear
And in pure kindness laid him quietly here.

"The upper part of the stone contains the name, with blanks for cutting age, &c., when the time of his dissolution shall take place."

24.--Died at Boyland Hall, aged 66, the Hon. Frederick Paul Irby, C.B., Rear-Admiral of the White. He was born April 18th, 1779, and was second son of the second Baron Boston. He entered the Navy in 1791, was present in Lord Howe's action on June 1st, 1793, at Camperdown under Lord Duncan, and afterwards saw much active service. He was severely wounded in an action fought with a French frigate off the Isle of Los, on the coast of Guinea.

--Died in Julian Place, Norwich, aged 38, Mr. Thomas Wiggins. "He had been proprietor of and a celebrated whip on the Phenomena coach from Norwich to London for several years, and was much respected by all for his skill as a coachman."

30.--The Yarmouth and Norwich Railway was formally opened on this date. The county was indebted to Mr. R. Stephenson, the celebrated engineer and "father of railways," for the introduction of the line. He and his friends, supported to a limited extent only by residents in Norwich and Yarmouth, contemplated it as the commencement of a grand line from the east to the west of England, in connection with other systems extending north and south. The prospectus was issued on January 15th, 1842; the Act of Parliament obtained June 18th, 1842; and the first meeting of proprietors held at the Victoria Hotel, Yarmouth, on August 5th, 1842. The total cost of the undertaking was estimated at 200,000 pounds. The first half-yearly meeting of shareholders was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, on February 26th, 1843. Messrs. Grissell and Peto constructed the line, at the cost of 10,000 pounds per mile. The rolling stock of the company consisted of five locomotives and a number of passenger carriages, supplied by Mr. Wright, of London. "The third class are six-wheeled carriages, open, and at present without seats. We trust they will not long continue so; the inconvenience of standing, especially to females, during a journey in cold weather, will be very great." Thousands of persons assembled at Thorpe Station to witness the departure of the first train at 10.30, hundreds thronged the line at various points, and a great crowd gathered at Yarmouth to see the arrival. Howlett's brass band occupied a third-class carriage next the engine, and the other carriages were reserved for 200 guests, specially invited by the directors. The train started amid loud cheers, and accomplished the journey in 50.5 minutes; the return trip was done in 44 minutes. At four o'clock a dinner was held at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. S. M. Peto, supported right and left by the Mayors of Norwich and Yarmouth. The railway was opened for public traffic on May 1st, when 1,015 passengers were booked.

MAY.

4.*--"Last week 100 stand of arms were received at our barracks for the Norwich Enrolled Pensioners. The dress consists of a peaked, glazed cap, with scarlet band and star in front, a blue frock coat, similar to those worn by the French infantry, with scarlet epaulettes edged with brass, and dark mixture trousers with broad red stripes. Sergeants will be each armed with a light carbine and cutlass. The whole will be called out occasionally for exercise and drill."

6.--A troop of the 4th Light Dragoons arrived at Norwich.

--The Bishop of Norwich confirmed 1,277 persons at the Cathedral.

18.--The Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry commenced eight days' permanent duty at Holt.

20.--Mr. Govett, formerly assistant minister at St. Stephen's church, Norwich, "whose eccentricities were often the cause of great pain to many members of the congregation," was baptised at Mr. Brock's chapel, "with six young ladies whom he had persuaded unhappily to follow his errors."

JUNE.

1.--The season terminated at Norwich Theatre. The manager (Mr. G. Smith) said, in the course of his customary address: "Having been for nearly 30 years a member of the company, I am most reluctantly compelled to chronicle the one now closing as the very worst season within my recollection."

19.--Died at Knapton, aged 59, Mr. Jeffreson Mills, Commander R.N. He served from 1799 until the Peace in 1815. "During his career he assisted at the capture of 26 line of battleships, 18 frigates, and 21 sloops of war and privateers. He was the author of a masterly vindication of Lord Nelson's proceedings in the Bay of Naples."

22.*--"The fatal ball by which Nelson received his death wound, and which was in the possession of the late Sir W. Beatty, M.D., R.N., at his death came into possession of Col. Beatty, R.M., and his brother, Mr. Vincent Beatty, _ci-devant_ captain of the late 24th Light Dragoons, by whom it has been presented to her Majesty, and most graciously received. The ball, with the particles of the coat and epaulette which were forced into the body, is neatly and elegantly set within a crystal case, which is appropriately mounted with a double cable coiled around its circumference. It opens like a watch."

24.--Madame Vestris and Mr. Charles Mathews commenced a short engagement at Norwich Theatre, in "Patter _versus_ Clatter," "Loan of a Lover," "Grist to the Mill," and "Follies of a Night."

JULY.

13.--At Marsham, near Aylsham, were rung 10,080 changes of Oxford treble bob major, "the longest peal on eight bells ever completed in this county." It was composed by Eversfield, of London, and rung in 5 hours 44 minutes.

22.--Died at Longford Hall, Derbyshire, whither she had retired for her accouchement, Anne Amelia Dowager Countess of Leicester, wife of the Right Hon. Ed. Ellice, M.P. for Coventry. The third daughter of the Earl and Countess of Albemarle, and born on June 16th, 1803, she married, on February 26th, 1822, Mr. Thomas William Coke, of Holkham, who was created Earl of Leicester in 1837, and died in 1842. Her ladyship married Mr. Ellice on October 25th, 1843.

25.--A cricket match, Marylebone Club and Ground against Norfolk with Fuller Pilch, commenced at Lord's. Norfolk, 60-111; Marylebone, 79-71. The return match commenced at Swaffham on Sept. 5th. Marylebone, 19-32; Norfolk, 45-6.

29.--The celebrated dwarf, Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton), made his first appearance in Norwich at the Theatre Royal, where he was introduced by Mr. Barnum, the equally famous showman.

30.--Mr. Justice Williams, in charging the Grand Jury at the Norfolk Assizes, dwelt upon the alarming increase of incendiarism.

AUGUST.

1.--Madame Celeste and Mr. Webster commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. One of the features of the entertainment was the dancing of "le Polka." This dance, which was introduced for the first time in Norwich, was described as "a mixture of the waltz and the cracovienne, and extremely pretty when danced well." All the local dancing masters advertised it, and it gave fresh life and animation to the ball rooms. "Nothing was more wearisome," it was said, "than the eternal first set of quadrilles, and comparatively few joined in the waltz; in the polka we have a dance full of life, elegant in its figures, and with the additional charm of being accompanied by music of the most attractive character." At the Norwich Sessions Ball, on Sept. 16th, it was a great attraction; Mr. Frank Noverre gave a "polka ball" at the Assembly Rooms on December 2nd; and at Miss Bidwell's ball, at the same place, on December 5th, "these ladies danced the polka in character, giving a good delineation of Madame Celeste and Mr. Webster."

--A sculling match took place between Messrs. Corby and Wigham, from the New Cut, Whitlingham, to Mutford Lock and back, a distance of 60 miles, for 25 pounds a side. Corby, the winner, rowed the distance in 10 hrs. 21 mins., the whole of the return journey being against a strong wind and tide. Wigham gave up at Buckenham.

2.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Williams, William Frost, aged 35, was indicted for having, on April 8th, at Whitwell, murdered his four children, whose ages ranged from five years to ten weeks, by striking them on the head with a hammer. Mr. W. P. Nichols, Mr. G. W. W. Firth, and Mr. Crosse testified to the insanity of the prisoner, against whom a verdict of not guilty was returned, and he was ordered to be confined in the Criminal Lunatic Asylum, St. George's Fields, London.

3.*--"About 60 cwt. of tea and coffee have been brought to Norwich by the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway Company, for Messrs. Wolton and Co., of London Street. We should not be surprised if that practice become more general in busy weeks, particularly when the wind is contrary for the favourable transit of the wherries."

--At the Norfolk and Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Alderson, the action, Cory _v._ the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway Company, was heard. It was an action sent down from the Vice-Chancellor's Court, in which the plaintiff sought to restrain the defendants from carrying passengers from their railway terminus across the Bure or Yare to Great Yarmouth, on the ground that the right of the plaintiff as proprietor of the ancient ferry and of the suspension bridge which supplied its place, was thereby infringed. At the suggestion of the Judge, an agreement was arrived at between the parties. (_See_ May 2nd, 1845.)

7.--Intelligence was received at Norwich of the birth of a Prince (Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, Duke of Edinburgh). The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and the Town Council in due course sent to the Queen a congratulatory address.

9.--Great festivities took place at Ellingham, near Bungay, in celebration of the return of Col. Smith from active service in India.

12.--The opera of "The Bohemian Girl" was performed at Norwich Theatre for the first time. The principals included Miss Rainforth, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Stretton, of Drury Lane Theatre; Mr. Gilbeigh, Mr. Duval, &c. The numerical strength of the orchestra was more than trebled by the services rendered by professional and amateur instrumentalists of the city. The conductor was Mr. C. F. Hall, one of the leaders of the Drury Lane orchestra "Norma" was also produced. The week's performances received very inadequate support.

19.--Killed at Sekerran, Borneo, aged 39, George Steward, youngest son of Mr. Timothy Steward, of Great Yarmouth. He was in the East India Company's service, and volunteered to accompany Capt. Keppel, R.N., in his expedition against the pirates of Borneo. While ascending a river in a native boat he was surrounded by the enemy and slain.

--Died at Bracondale, Norwich, aged 78, Mr. Roger Kitson, a schoolmaster, who sixty years previously succeeded Mr. Massingham at the then well-known academy in St. Andrew's Broad Street. He had a talent for poetical composition, and belonged to the Confraternity of United Friars and other literary societies.

21.--The Norwich Mechanics' Institute was dissolved. On October 27th its surplus funds, amounting to 120 pounds, were handed over to a new society, known as the Athenaeum, in which the Rev. A. Bath Power, Mr. J. J. Gurney, and other gentlemen were interested. The society met at rooms in the Market Place.

24.*--"The operation of Lord Brougham's Act, for the abolition of imprisonment for debt, has had the effect of clearing the Norwich Gaol of all the debtors except one. Its operation will be very disadvantageous to the prisoners sentenced by the Court of Conscience or Requests, as they had laid a part of their time, and a very few days more would have exempted them from future liability, whereas now they go out subject to other proceedings and executions against their goods."

28.--A shocking accident occurred at Dereham Theatre, to Mr. Dillon, one of the performers. He had just dressed for his part, and approaching too near to a lighted candle, the inflammable material which he wore immediately caught fire, and he was enveloped in flames. He ran about the stage in terror, and some of the audience, rushing forward, endeavoured to extinguish the fire, but they did not succeed until he had been seriously injured.

31.--Among Norwich improvements completed during the preceding twelve months were mentioned at this date the building of Victoria Street, the erection of new houses in place of old and unsightly ones near St. Giles' Gates, and the widening of the street in that locality; the reconstruction of the Wensum Street and Tombland Corner; and the construction of the embankment between Foundry Bridge and Carrow Bridge.

SEPTEMBER.

9.--Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean appeared in "Hamlet" at Norwich Theatre, and on succeeding evenings played in "The Gamester," "Macbeth," "The Lady of Lyons," "Richard the Third," and "The Stranger."

--The Royal squadron escorting the Queen on her voyage to Scotland was off the Norfolk coast from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. The coastguard fired rockets at various points, which were answered from the Royal yacht.

11.--Died at Cheltenham, the Ven. Henry Bathurst, Archdeacon of Norwich and rector of North Creake.

12.--The organ at St. Nicholas' church, Great Yarmouth, was reopened after renovation. The instrument was built in the 18th century, by Abraham Jordan, and repaired in 1812 by G. P. England. It was finally repaired by Messrs. Grey and Davison, of Gray's Inn Road, London.

19.--At a meeting of the members of the medical profession in Norwich, held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of Mr. J. G. Crosse, approval was expressed of the registration clauses in Sir James Graham's Bill for the better regulation of medical practice in the United Kingdom.

26.--The new chapel, dedicated to St. Edmund, at Walpole St. Peter, was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich.

--A meeting was held at the King's Arms Hotel, East Dereham, in furtherance of a scheme for constructing a railway from Wymondham to that town, with extensions to Lynn and Downham. Lord Sondes, on October 7th, presided over a meeting at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which the undertaking was approved. It was estimated to cost 10,000 pounds per mile. (_See_ December 7th, 1846.)

OCTOBER.

10.--Died at Norwich, Mr. Thomas Turner, "a well-known amateur on the river." "Agreeable to the wishes expressed by the deceased, he was conveyed from Carrow to Thorpe on board a sailing-boat, from which he was carried on the shoulders of six boating men in blue jackets and white trousers to his last resting-place in Thorpe churchyard."

16.--Van Amburgh's Circus and Menagerie were exhibited in a large marquee erected in Chapel Field, Norwich.

17.--Dereham and Swaffham Theatres were advertised to be sold by auction, "under the will of the late Mr. David Fisher." After this date there are no further records of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians, so long under the management of the Fisher family.

--Mr. Rush, "a respectable farmer," of Hevingham, was accidentally killed by the discharge of a gun "left in the kitchen of his house by his son, James Blomfield Rush, auctioneer and farmer, of Wymondham."

18.--M. Jullien gave the first of three concerts at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

26.--In the Arches Court, the Rev. William Henry Henslowe, perpetual curate of Wormegay, was suspended from the ministry for three months, for refusing on two occasions to bury the corpse of Sarah Bowden, a parishioner who had been baptised by a minister of the Primitive Methodist persuasion. The case was brought before the Court by letters of request from the Bishop of Norwich.

NOVEMBER.

9.--Sir William Foster, Bart., was elected Mayor, and Mr. John Betts appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

24.--Died at his residence, St. Catherine's Cottage, St. John de Sepulchre, Norwich, aged 73, Mr. Jonathan Matchett, senior proprietor of the NORFOLK CHRONICLE. He had been connected with the journal for 51 years, and became its head on the decease of his father-in-law, Mr. Stevenson, in 1821.

27.--Died at his house at Costessey, aged 69, Mr. Richard Mackenzie Bacon, principal proprietor and editor of the "Norwich Mercury." Mr. Bacon was the editor also of "The Quarterly Musical Magazine and Review."

28.--Mr. Tom Cross, the celebrated "gentleman whip," driver of the Lynn and London coach, delivered at the Assembly Rooms, Lynn, a lecture on Shakespeare.

DECEMBER.

3.--Died at Swaffham Vicarage, aged 92, the Rev. William Yonge, vicar of the parish and Chancellor of the Diocese.

5.--Mr. Edward Stracey, of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, the respondent in a suit respecting the tenancy of a pew in the parish church, was taken into custody and lodged in the City Gaol by a process of the Norwich Ecclesiastical Court, because of his refusal to pay the costs imposed by the Court.

14.*--"The winter has set in most severely, with an intense ground frost and the wind in the east. The navigation of the river between Norwich and Yarmouth and from that port to Beccles, Bungay, and Aylsham, has been stopped by ice, but not a particle of snow has fallen."

1845.

JANUARY.

5.--The Rev. Charles Chapman, who was elected vicar of the parish on November 5th, 1832, preached his farewell sermon at St. Peter Mancroft church, Norwich. The Rev. Thomas Wilson, M.A., was elected to the vacant living.

7.--At Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. Isaac Jermy), John Dover, the notorious Chartist leader, was found guilty of receiving stolen silk, &c., the property of William Martin and others, and sentenced to fourteen years' transportation.

13.--Cooke's Royal Circus was opened at the Amphitheatre, Victoria Gardens, Norwich. During the season various "horse spectacles," pantomimes, farces, and burlettas were produced.

18.--Died at his house near St. Giles' Gates, Norwich, Mr. James Bennett, a man of great scientific attainments. By trade a watchmaker, "he invented an instrument for performing the operation of the trepan, which was mentioned with much praise by Sir Astley Cooper in his lectures, and ever afterwards used by that distinguished surgeon. He was the first man who made an electrical machine in Norwich. To different societies he sent original contributions, and presented articles of value, particularly the splendid anatomical preparations of the late Mr. Stevenson, veterinary surgeon, Castle Meadow, which were given to a museum in London. He took great interest in witnessing surgical operations, and could dissect an eye very beautifully. He was an adept at music and drawing, and was one of the original members of the Hall Concert." Mr. Bennett served the office of Sheriff in 1826, and by virtue of seniority was "Father of the Common Council." He was the oldest surviving "brother" of the intellectual and benevolent confraternity, the College of United Friars, and was for many years a member of the Castle Corporation.

25.--The NORFOLK CHRONICLE published the results of an inquiry into the state of the manufactures of Norwich, and in its comments stated: "Norwich has lost its former prominence as a manufacturing city, partly in consequence of the high price of coals compared with the North and West, and partly from improvements in machinery being tardily introduced. We regret that while 8,000 persons are employed in or connected with our factories and mills, a large number are constantly without work, and this is likely to be the state of things for some time to come."

26.--On this date occurred the highest tide ever recorded at Yarmouth. The depth of water on the bar was 19 ft. 6 in. A severe gale prevailed, and several vessels were in distress. The Phoenix yawl, which went out to the assistance of a brig stranded on the north end of the Scroby Sand, was lost, and seven of her crew drowned.

FEBRUARY.

19.--Died at his residence, Northrepps Hall, Cromer, Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart. He was in his 59th year.

23.--Died at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Stannard, engraver, aged 55.

24.--The Hon. W. B. Baring, M.P., who had accepted the office of Paymaster to the Forces, was re-elected without opposition member for the borough of Thetford.

28.--Mr. Samuel Lover, author of "Rory O'More" and other Irish tales, gave, at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, his "Irish Evening, illustrative of the national characteristics, legends, superstitions, mirth, and melody of his country, entitled, 'Paddy by Land and Sea.'" The entertainment was repeated on the 29th.

--At an inquest held at Costessey, by Mr. Pilgrim, one of the County Coroners, upon the exhumed body of a woman named Jane Mary Lovett, who was alleged to have died in childbirth, in consequence of improper treatment by a medical man named Gaches, a verdict of manslaughter was returned. Mr. Gaches contrived to escape from the custody of Inspector Barrett, concealed himself in the park, and ultimately absconded from the neighbourhood. He was re-arrested on March 29th, in a railway carriage at Shoreditch, and at his trial at the Norfolk Assizes on April 8th the jury, by direction of Mr. Justice Patteson, returned a verdict of not guilty.

MARCH.

5.--Died at his residence in the Upper Close, Norwich, Dr. Warner Wright, aged 70. He was founder of the Norwich Dispensary, and in 1804 was chosen a physician of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a position which he resigned in 1840. For many years he was visiting physician to the Norfolk County Lunatic Asylum, and to the Norwich Bethel, and was placed upon the commission of the peace for the city in 1836.

12.--John Tawell, indicted at Aylesbury Assizes for the murder of Sarah Hart, at Salt Hill, by poisoning her, came of a respectable Norfolk family. "Augustus Metcalfe, who served the office of Mayor of Norwich in 1716, was the maternal grandfather of Tawell's father. Thomas Tawell, uncle of John Tawell's father, served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1723, and died during his shrievalty. Tawell's father was a shopkeeper, and had resided in several places in the neighbourhood of Norwich." The convict, who was a Quaker, was executed on March 28th.

15.*--"The frost has now continued, with few intermissions, for eighteen weeks, a longer period than has been remembered for the last thirty years."

19.--A meeting of the principal inhabitants was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Sir William Foster), "to determine on the steps to be taken for arresting the progress of the epidemic diseases so extensively prevailing, and for mitigating the sufferings of the afflicted poor." It was stated that between 1,500 and 1,600 persons had been attacked by small-pox, measles, scarlet fever, and typhus. The attention of the authorities was directed to the insanitary condition of the city, and a fund was started for cleansing and disinfecting the houses of the poor.

26.--Sir James Graham's Bill for the amendment of the Law of Settlement was considered at a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich. Disapproval of the measure was expressed. The Court of Guardians and other public bodies passed resolutions in opposition to the Bill, which was received unfavourably in other parts of the county.

29.*--"A salmon trout, measuring 23 inches in length and weighing 5 lbs., has been taken while fishing for pike in the river Wensum, near Hellesdon."

APRIL.